Graduating from the University of Oxford

I have finally graduated from Oxford! And given that the ceremony itself was quite interesting, I thought I would make a video explaining it. Thank you so much to everyone who supported me through the Oxvlog project last year, I truly wouldn't have made it through the year without you guys :)
Some links
A document explaining the ceremony - www.ox.ac.uk/media/global/wwwo...
The Sheldonian - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheldoni...
Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford - www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire....
The Oxvlog project 2013/2013 - / oxvlog
My oxvlogs - • Oxvlogs

It has been three years, why on Earth am I still crying out of sheer proudness for this brilliant, brilliant guy?

[@sagalk1394]

Bárbara de Medeiros it is called love dear

Hahaha, or admiration! Glad to know someone understands

[@sagalk1394]

Bárbara de Medeiros hahaha :) well lets just hope he sees your compliments. He is one fine man I say!!

[@msz9523]

4 years later and it's still so moving!

[@appleslover]

@@msz9523 7 years later and still happy for him.

[@SylviaMBemba]

His comments at 8:28-9:00 are spot on. Not only for studying but everything we do. It's the work that matters, above all

[@buttercup141312]

This dude needs his own TED talk. Like seriously. He would be a great public speaker. I'm an American college student but this is so interesting to learn about.

[@tommchunu2345]

True, he's a very good speaker

[@caleborg5688]

As an American youtuber I can say that British youtubers are so much better at youtubing than American youtubers

[@shen7728]

American

[@nope110]

Hes had one now!

[@itismetaphorical1016]

you really know the art of perfect narration. I can rarely listen to people with such interest and enthusiasm as I do in your case,always.👍 good luck 😁

[@LexAcademic]

Absolutely LOVED this video, Simon! So much fun, and you, as ever, are wonderful. Congratulations on your degree and you have my highest admiration for working so hard. You're an inspiration (so corny, so true). Keep being successful and keep up the vids! Lou xx

[@12lokki]

Congratulations! I'm only 3 years too late.. Where are you now, and what are you doing?

[@SimonClark]

Thanks! Now I'm doing a PhD in atmospheric physics at the University of Exeter - check out my PhD watch videos if you'd like to find out more :)

[@AceNallawar]

Simon Clark *Dr. Simon Clark

[@nutellalatte7522]

"I never studied latin, because I went to a normal school" urmm lmaoo

[@Fewawidood]

It's been a great journey watching all of your vlogs for the past year and a half, Simon. You've helped me learn about what university is like and what it is about, providing great insight for me along the way. Good luck at Exeter!

[@jrvw123]

Congratulations and all the best in the future!

[@cubenitup]

literally Hogwarts

[@aliaahmad4770]

Congratulations... really your videos are a huge motivation for me...so thank you Simon.

[@NortonsNestMonthly]

Thank you for this informative and charmingly presented video. American schools have none of these traditions, aside from wearing gowns at Commencement. Having daydreamed often about the Oxford experience, I appreciate the insight, Simon. This was very enjoyable. Congratulations on your accomplishments and you are truly in great company. I wish you every success.

[@Noveschamp2012]

Simon I have to thank you man your videos are quality. I have managed to get an interview at Cambridge University and watch you videos gave me the courage to apply. Thanks again!!!

[@jennytran8639]

This made me smile. Thanks for sharing Simon!

[@coachangelaj]

Great video. Inspiring, to say the least. Congratulations!! Wishes of extreme success to you and with all of your endeavors.

[@Tompleee]

Omg, Simon has the prettiest eyes!!!

[@yacinehannane2908]

Loved that bit at the end, congratulations and all :D

[@charlaughsloudly]

Congratulations Simon: you deserve it so much. You have inspired me so much when it comes to your Oxvlogs and I'm so happy you have achieved so much. Well done c:

[@19molly47]

you're right... at the end of the day the thing that is important is what you have learned and not the degree itself. Sometimes I stop myself for thinking "I need to learn in order to pass that exam", the real fact and what I need to think is "I need to learn for MYSELF". The grade that I will receive is not so important, it's important to have done mine the books that I studied. But sometimes I found that so hard to think and I'm too stressed out. I hope I haven't done too many mistakes >.< Greetings from Italy :D

[@riqui5406]

Francesca :D ok

[@mickeleh]

Congratulations and thanks for the report on the ceremony.

[@justnicole671]

mickelehp A2

[@aminataabimbola3991]

Thanks Simon for this amazing video. Im sure that this video will help me nexr year when im going to an university!!

[@jamesgyamfi1441]

Thanks Simon! i really love your videos you always inspire me in one way or the other do you know that before you could talk about the "piece of paper" i was exactly saying the same thing to myself i think that at the end of the day the only thing that really matters is what you've learnt the new knowledge which you gained over those years not a piece of paper like you said i totally agree thanks again that was deep :) hope the best

[@lynutshell]

that must be an amazing experience! can't wait to hear about your experience in exeter!! : ))

[@mralef1596]

Congrats!!!! I know how hard it is.

[@Alarmedy8]

Congratulations Simon well deserved:)

[@thelaurels13]

Love the end there. Brilliantly said.

[@katharinapavlin6068]

I love your videos, you are an inspiration. A very smart, cute, funny and very charming young man. Keep on good work! :)

[@Kinis1231]

Congratulations Simon! And I approve of your Doctor Who references :)

[@ManojJinadasa]

I felt up-to now that this video looks superb

[@infinitemoment3055]

Congratulations. You must be immensely proud.

[@katiecook9418]

love the casual Harry potter trivia :) !

[@LudwigBondevik]

Keep up the great job! :) inspiring video.

[@fartketart]

congratulations simon! x

[@gopalregmi9391]

Congrats Simon!

[@judyford]

I'm glad to see that your certificate actually certifies that you passed. Mine only says "It appears from the registers of the University of Oxford ..." and it also puts satisfying the residence requirements ahead of satisfying the examiners! mine does look a bit posher than yours though - but not a swish as my grade VIII clarinet certificate or cycling proficiency test. My rule of thumb is: the more significant the qualification, the less imposing the certificate!

[@ifeelsadyetimnot]

Your quote at the end lives by me everyday, mate!

[@Ppp2r2a]

Thanks Simon I was inspired to make a video of my graduation after seeing this.

[@TobiasMcGriff]

Congrats from the U.S., mate. Great video.

[@reuvanaeml]

Deffo agree - the 'piece of paper' certificate of graduation is rather empty - it's all the hard work one has to do for EARN that piece of paper, not to mention everything that one has learnt over four years...I feel I can identify with your emotions on graduating - such a relief eh? Best of luck with your Ph.D. studies... for me these are FAR too stressful to continue studying!

[@wifiocean]

I subscribed the moment you said Time Lord. :3

[@stuka1313]

Thanks for share your experiences as an student in one of the best universities in the world your comments help to inspire people to take challenges seriously whatever we are doing in this life we always must to do the best to get best of it.

[@apiwatsornsukong2126]

Even I didn't graduate from Oxford and didn't plan to study there but still I like watch your tube.... Congratulations Krub your Fanclub fromThailand.

[@raazikarim6124]

what you said at the end about going to university for the sake of knowledge, not the accolade of being acknowledged for your implied work which has led to the end result of a 'degree' was very well put!

[@sugarnspicetv]

its so true what you said at the end

[@semikiwi]

Well said Simon!

[@sanakashif1]

I don't know why but he really does motivate me to continue studying :)

[@aaronpcjb]

Congratulations, Simon! "Second Class, Division Two" I can only assume means a lower second. I imagined they'd have made more of an effort to make the degree look less like it was created in Microsoft Word. I'm hoping to study Physics at Oxford too, but I'll go as a mature student, because I was more focused on working after studies. Hopefully they don't look as strictly on GCSEs for mature students.

[@LoneWulf278]

but you speech was so beautiful!

[@cosmack9966]

congrats!

[@Naraluxury]

awesome I really like the way your talking its full of sense how long does it take to earn your phd?

[@JigyasaMalhotra]

You make me want to do my degrees all over again, although I'm just finishing a masters :)

[@RonShenkar]

I found your channel and this video along with another one about half an hour ago... I just had to say that your way of speech reminds me alot of, perhaps you've heard of the character and the show, Robert Chase from House MD. In a good way, of course. Congratulations on achieving your masters degree in Physics, I myself am also currently in the process of getting a masters degree in Physics. If you don't mind me asking, what are your future plans? research?

[@jasvinbindra7124]

Awesome!

[@ninjaatilly]

Congratulations Simon! Im in lower sixth, and want to study music at uni- i would love to go to oxford or cambridge but im not sure which one is best (to study music, that is) ^-^

[@SimonClark]

Now I'm quite possibly biased here, but I /think/ Oxford is meant to be the better place to study music. The music scene is certainly incredibly busy and diverse, and if you sing then the college choirs are really ideal. Of course both unis will be fantastic for music, I just happened to know a lot of Oxford musicians who said the course was really great! Definitely look into St Peters, especially if you like Wagner (google St Peters music and you'll see why!)

[@kooleo2]

I like the philosophical ending. You need more of that not less =)

[@rkrw576]

Fun, from a student I respect.

[@orbital16]

I'm just a little bit curious in this great university Simon and congratulation also, I've noticed that the crowds are considerably small in some videos that I've watched despite the fact that it is one of the big day of the graduating student. It is just for a particular Faculty/college only? or its already the graduation ceremony of the entire university? sorry for this question just asking since I'd like to know more about this well known University. Thank you!

[@SimonClark]

+Orly Bagona So the Sheldonian couldn't hold all the graduates at once - that would be about 3,000 people! So typically a few colleges graduate their students at a time - I think in my case there were three colleges present, which means there's about 300-400 students graduating in each ceremony

[@orbital16]

Thank you, Simon.

[@Sylvester_Mashile]

well done mate

[@princejabbo3284]

awsome simon i want to go to oxford so bad but im in 5th grade so 7 years more

[@NirajC72]

a quick question Simon, have you ever thought of working in finance after graduating or after doing a phd? or do you want to be an academic lecture

[@SimonClark]

+NirajC72 I couldn't think of anything worse than finance! Definitely not for me. I don't care for earning huge amounts of money so it has very little appeal. At the moment I'm trying to decide between being an academic or going into the filmmaking/videographer business

[@NirajC72]

not the money bit, but mathematical modelling, but yeh thanks for answering appreciate it! :D

[@whoiam239]

well done simon :)

[@secretlybrave5520]

OMG I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE A DOCTOR WHO FAN CAUSE I DISCOVERED YOU A FEW MONTHS AGO! XD

[@RP-pb8lf]

Cheeky myprotein in the corner :p

[@domy3470]

well done simon!! are you thinking about doing a phd?

[@fatimac5253]

Yeah. He said that he's currently starting it- he's sitting in his new University room in the video.

[@domy3470]

i see

[@Ohem1]

Personally ceremonies like these I gladly skip, I skipped the elementary ceremony and high school. I just ask for having the grades mailed to me or given a day before and stay home and play video games. I don't need to have the grades or my knowledge validated by ceremonies, it's a social construct I can be without.

[@irishrepublican756]

Ohem1 in the uk there is no elementary or high school graduation... makes university graduation feel a bit more special I think

[@xsoltis]

Ohem1 that's kind of sad...

[@MrBossoTrosso]

loser

[@zararakkar9544]

...and The Doors play: "This is the end..my only friend,the end..it hurts to set you free.." Well done Simon!!

[@thussain2000]

Why didn't you do your PhD in Oxford? Do you have to apply again like it's a separate course or?

[@asseater6949]

well im like 3 years late but congrats :)

[@ellis2726]

AH, Well done! (:

[@happyhuman5432]

Team Cambridge! 💪🏻😄😂 Love your channel tho!😘

[@isakhammer6558]

I would really appreciate more philosophical views like 07:50 - 0905 on your future vlogs. That small clip was quite inspiring.

[@lnsordo91]

Do you feel nostalgic for your Oxford days now that you are pursuing graduate studies at another University? I am currently completing graduate studies at a new University, and I can't help but remember my undergraduate days with a tinge of sadness

[@SimonClark]

+lnsordo91 To be honest not at all! I find that Exeter suits me much better than Oxford did - it's less intense here and at postgrad level it's much less stressful. I also have a much better social life here and I'm happier as a result. I don'r regret going to Oxford for my undergrad, but I definitely prefer Exeter :)

[@safiyyah113]

+SimonOxfPhys that's great!! Good luck in all of your studies/research!

[@caledoniatardivo8537]

It's the journey that counts, not the destination when it comes to the end result (the degree?)

[@CRY515]

Your philosophical phrase at the end wasn't wrong at all ... Actually, I have the same opinion about certificates ... They're useful to get jobs only, which I think is wrong. The certificate should be a document of more or less 5 pages with information about your working skills, learning skills, interpreting skills, perception skills, logical thinking skills and so on... It would be more useful. (Of course it is a lot of work) Btw. I'd like to study at Oxford, too. Unfortunately, it all depends on my A-Level results (it's the first point they look at), which I again think that makes no sense at all.

[@Tls-jn6wh]

Samuel Weinzaepfel how doesn't that make sense?

[@bangshot2794]

So what job are you thinking of striving for now? You have a masters in physics what jobs are there around that?

[@JoelAlexander1]

how do you choose weather to do a 3 year bachelors then 1 year masters or to just do a 4 year masters

[@psykiit]

Hey Simon, I just wondered: I see you ended up with a 2:2 for your Master's Degree, which is considering your university still excellent. Though, was that sufficient to pursue on with a PhD ? What are the requirements at Oxford to pursue your Bsc with a Master's Degree/PhD? Thanks!

[@SimonClark]

Oxford requires a 2:i and has NO exceptions - see my Draw My Life for more info about that

[@psykiit]

ok cheers mate, will do

[@Meshwork123]

Stay grounded, young fella. Think about the cleaner who comes in to regularly clean your room, the carpet layer who used a knee kicker to stretch the edges of your wall to wall carpet out against each wall, the kitchen hands where you eat, and the gardeners who toil away, cutting and pruning as they do. All these people and more, if you're a hard determinist, were lead to these low paid, but essential occupations. Without them, there would not be a well-functioning university, and while some may say that they should have applied themselves, exercised their free will to do "better", it still does not change the fact that they were overwhelmingly drawn to their destinies; but destinies that are every bit deserving of equal respect given their indispensable importance. Congratulations, by the way. 👨‍🎓

[@toastoneggs7356]

This is very similar to my grad ceremony at university of aberdeen

[@livintolearn7053]

I couldn't be more jealous of your grey eyes.

[@eeshitadeepta7289]

I like you already because of the DW reference

[@shyamsarkar7199]

Its 2018. In India we have to do 3 years of bachelors degree than 2 years more to get masters. Total 5 years. I am in 2nd years of my bachelors.

[@intisarshah8773]

well done

[@Grovreicraynth]

Ive always wanted to study physics in institutions as prestigious as the University of Oxford, i just can't afford all the expenses for foreign students.

[@nutellalatte7522]

Did you ever have moments during Oxford when you wanted to give on physics and persue something different??

[@SimonClark]

Much as it got insanely difficult, honestly no. I couldn't ever realistically see me doing something else!

[@judyford]

I took my degree in absentia (in 1979). I had no idea the ceremony was such a palaver. All that messing about going out of the side door and swapping gowns! I thought it would have been liek the matriculation ceremony where we all just stood while they pronounced some Latin over the whole room and then we filed out again anf walked back to our college in a crocodile for the official photograph.

[@RosieCrawford]

I thinks I recognised Peters am I right? (Im a fresher)

[@SimonClark]

Yep absolutely right!

[@piyushmohananpulukool2279]

4 yrs later, he is Dr. Simon Clark

[@Kestral182]

Out of interest...why is it four years for a Master's Degree? In my country it is 3 years for an undergrad Bachelors Degree, then 1 year of post-grad study for an Honours degree, and then you study for a Masters in your 5th/6th year (depending on if it is a 1/2-year masters course)

[@flipballaz93]

did u wear a skillcape after?

[@ifeoluwaaiyelabowo4280]

How did you get both a masters and a bachelors degree from Oxford?

[@nuriam123]

You can get an MEng which is an undergraduate masters, so basically it's your bachelors and a undergraduate masters mixed in one, and you graduate with a masters. So instead of having a bachelors then a MSc post grad, you have one degree only if that makes sense....

[@amct1019]

bacherlors is a standard three year course. An extra year of further study earns a masters. Just like three extra years earns you a doctorate.

[@stephieann]

Is really hard to get in Oxford university I from America I'm only 14 what test do we need take

[@TheWomblemaster]

I suggest O lvl English....

[@nICK7cONVILLE]

Is that some protein in the background?

[@davidnba2kfan117]

is that some protein powder in the back?

[@KhaiMikaelson]

please dont stop doing youtube videos please ):

[@jedclark123]

I love how there is a myprotein bag in the background.

[@MikeSmith-rd9fi]

What was your degree classification

[@steffliot3788]

# Blood Sweat and Tears ....BTS..

[@Doomeiner]

The girl sitting in the middle chair was actually cute c:

[@ssjturbo]

i should learn latin now before its too late